Peptic Ulcers Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Peptic ulcers is a painful condition characterized by open sores in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, often caused by the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, or a combination of both.
Herbal remedies have gained popularity in treating peptic ulcers due to their potential to soothe and protect the stomach lining, reduce inflammation, and combat bacterial infections.
Examples of herbs used to treat peptic ulcers include Aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties to calm the digestive tract, Licorice root, which has mucilaginous properties to protect the stomach lining, and Peppermint, which has antispasmodic properties to relax the muscles in the digestive tract.
Herbal preparations such as Slippery elm tea, Marshmallow root tincture, and Ginger tea can be used to treat peptic ulcers, with Slippery elm providing mucilage to soothe the stomach lining, Marshmallow root providing anti-inflammatory properties, and Ginger stimulating digestion and reducing nausea.
What causes peptic ulcers?
The primary causes of peptic ulcers are the overproduction of stomach acid and the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulcer formation.
Secondary causes of peptic ulcers include bacterial infections, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which weaken the stomach lining and create an environment conducive to ulcer development.
Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, increase the risk of peptic ulcers by damaging the stomach lining and impairing the body's ability to heal itself.
Additionally, a diet high in spicy or fatty foods, as well as a lack of vitamin C, can also contribute to the development of peptic ulcers by irritating the stomach lining and impairing the body's ability to heal itself.
What herbs heal peptic ulcers?
The medicinal herbs used to treat peptic ulcers are those with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mucilaginous properties, which help to protect and soothe the stomach lining.
Examples of such herbs include licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), and marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), which have been traditionally used to treat digestive issues.
Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a bioactive compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while slippery elm contains mucilages that form a protective barrier on the stomach lining.
Marshmallow root, on the other hand, contains althaea flavonoids that help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
What preparations treat peptic ulcers?
The herbal preparations used to treat peptic ulcers are decoctions and infusions that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protective properties of the stomach lining.
A soothing tea or infusion that can help alleviate symptoms is made by steeping a specific root in hot water, while another preparation involves combining the essence of certain leaves and flowers to create a calming and healing drink.
Some herbal remedies also involve making a paste by mixing the juice of specific fruits with other natural ingredients to create a protective barrier for the stomach lining, while others require the use of a specific spice to stimulate digestion and promote healing.
These herbal preparations can also be consumed as tinctures or capsules to provide an intense dose of the healing properties of these natural ingredients.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat peptic ulcers.